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Raymond Gillespie Obituary

Raymond Leon Gillespie, of Midland, TX, passed away at his home on December 17, 2014. Leon was born March 29, 1937 to Jim and Otilla Gillespie in Dawson County, TX, near the Harmony Community. He attended school at Harmony until moving to O'Donnell, TX in 1949. He then moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico for four years and then in 1953 to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Leon graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1955. After graduation, he began serving his country in the United States Navy, serving two years active duty as First Class Radarman and six years Reserve. Leon married Irene (McKay) on June 22, 1958 in Draw, TX and they made their home in Kermit, TX. He worked as Assistant Manager for Food Mart Inc. and later worked for Lawrence Hicks Appliance, Heating and Cooling. In 1964, Leon began his career with El Paso Natural Gas in Jal, New Mexico. He was a Draftsman in the Engineering Dept. After being transferred to Midland, TX and El Paso, TX, he retired in 1996 after 32 years of service and Irene retired from the Texas School System after 26 years. They then moved back to Midland, TX. Leon is survived by his wife, Irene Gillespie of Midland, TX; daughter, Cindy and husband David Caldwell of Kingwood, TX; grandson, Chase Caldwell of Houston, TX; granddaughter, Chelsey Caldwell of Dallas, TX. Leon loved his family and always prayed that his family would come to the Lord and accept Christ as their savior. Leon and Irene have attended Worship Services at Westside Church of Christ on Illinois Ave, Midland, TX, since moving back to Midland in 1996. After retiring, Leon and Irene were active with their RV and traveled to the Colorado and New Mexico mountains every summer and then to the Rio Grande Valley during the winter months. Leon loved "picking and grinning" with his friends at the RV Park. He was known to tell a story or two and was very much a people person. He loved to be around friends and always wanted to help others any way he could. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Thursday, December 18, 2014 at Sunset Funeral Home. Graveside Service will be at 10:00 am on Friday, December 19, 2014 at Sunset Memorial Gardens. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 pm Friday, December 19, 2014 at Westside Church of Christ, 4410 W. Illinois, Midland, TX with Mike Vestal officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. To send family condolences please sign the guest registry at www.sunsetodessa.com.

Published by Midland Reporter-Telegram on Dec. 19, 2014.
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